Holland America Line’s 2026–2027 Caribbean season arrives with an array of enhancements sure to delight seasoned cruisers and newcomers alike. Among these, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay stands out as the crown jewel of private-island indulgence, now featuring a brand-new Beach Club experience alongside refreshed leisure and dining offerings. This expansion underscores Holland America Line’s commitment to crafting personalised journeys that blend serene island escapes with thoughtful touches at sea.
From October 2026 through April 2027, guests will sail aboard six ships—Eurodam, Zuiderdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam and Volendam—each calling at RelaxAway nearly every itinerary. Whether disembarking for a leisurely day on sun-drenched sands or savouring local flavours ashore, travellers will find new ways to unwind and connect with the Caribbean’s laid-back charm.
Enhanced Private Island Experience
RelaxAway’s upgraded Beach Club sets a new standard for exclusive Holland America private-island retreats. With priority tendering, guests enjoy seamless transfers from ship to shore, while attentive waiter service brings signature cocktails and light bites directly to plush loungers. The Beach Club’s elevated furnishings include upgraded loungers and daybeds arranged to capture panoramic views of the ship’s silhouette against turquoise waters.
Ample indoor and outdoor seating overlooks the gently lapping waves, creating intimate spaces for quiet reflection or relaxed socialising. From restful afternoons shaded by elegant canopies to lively sunset gatherings on the sugar-white sands, the Beach Club collection offers an oasis of comfort and convenience tailored for those seeking a touch of privacy without compromising on island flair.
New Dining & Leisure Offerings Ashore
Beyond the Beach Club, RelaxAway’s culinary landscape has been refreshed to highlight Bahamian and Caribbean tastes. A newly refurbished food court expands seating options and introduces local favourites, while the Lobster Shack serves up freshly steamed crustaceans with citrus-infused dips. Island-only food trucks roam the sands, dishing out inventive street fare, from jerk chicken wraps to tropical fruit parfaits.
Upgraded stateroom-style cabanas and beach villas offer families and friends shaded havens just steps from the shoreline. Canopy loungers for two provide romantic retreats, complete with personalised minibar service. Guests eager for active pursuits can now try their hand at pickleball on newly installed courts, while Aperol Spritz tricycles and Bacardi Beach Buggies deliver refreshing beverages directly to their spots on the beach, ensuring that every whim is catered to without the need for long walks.
Adults-Only Signature Pool Experience
At sea, Holland America Line introduces a new adults-only Signature Pool Experience, available at each ship’s Sea View Pool. This sanctuary offers spa-like amenities designed for ultimate relaxation, including complimentary cold towels, hydrating cucumber water and freshly squeezed lemonade. Attentive staff provide sunglass cleaning services, so guests can lounge without interrupting their leisure.
Live ambient music floats across the deck, enhancing the serene atmosphere and inviting passengers to slip into a state of pure tranquillity. As the sun arcs overhead, the Signature Pool transforms into an exclusive haven, complementing island serenity with purposeful calm that contrasts beautifully against the bustling beach days at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
Historic Adventure with The HISTORY Channel
Aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, travellers can embark on a nine-day Southern Caribbean & ABC Islands voyage curated in partnership with The HISTORY Channel. This journey calls at Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, offering a rare late-night stay in Willemstad that reveals the city’s UNESCO World Heritage architecture under starlight.
Onshore, the ‘Caves & City Highlights’ excursion delves into Curaçao’s rich past, touring the Hato Caves’ limestone formations before exploring colonial forts and vibrant street murals. Special onboard programming features documentaries and talks led by HISTORY Channel experts, providing context that enriches every port call and transforms a cruise into a voyage through time.
Extended Holiday & 9+ Day Voyages
For guests seeking more immersive Caribbean escapades, Holland America Line offers over 70 departures on voyages lasting nine days or longer—more than any other cruise line in the region. Itineraries range from explorations of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands to partial transits of the Panama Canal and deeper crossings into the Windward and Leeward Islands.
Among these, the 14-day holiday cruise on Rotterdam stands out, carrying guests through St. Maarten’s festive harbour on Christmas Day before delivering New Year’s Day celebrations at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Stops in St. Lucia, Antigua, and Dominica blend festive cheer with tropical bliss, making this voyage a quintessential way to mark the season in style.
Perfect Week: 7-Day Caribbean Getaways
Weekend escapes have never felt more complete. Seven-day cruises aboard Eurodam, Zuiderdam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Nieuw Statendam sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, showcasing RelaxAway alongside iconic ports such as San Juan and St. Thomas. Late-night calls in San Juan allow guests to savour local nightlife and cuisine, while evening departures from St. Thomas offer twilight views of Charlotte Amalie’s harbour lights.
Whether fitting a quick break between commitments or simply longing for a week of sun and sea, these itineraries balance relaxation days at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay with cultural immersion and scenic highlights, ensuring that every moment is as enriching as it is rejuvenating.
Early Booking Bonuses & Value Packages
Guests can secure Have It All fares starting at USD 1,299 (approx. AUD 1,950) per person, double occupancy, which bundle shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi into the standard fare. Additional perks include prepaid crew appreciation and upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi, making the overall value hard to beat.
Mariner Society loyalty members enjoy an Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus of up to USD 400 (approx. AUD 600) onboard credit per stateroom when booking by 30 June 2025. These offers reward both new and returning guests, layering extra benefits onto an already comprehensive vacation package.
Discover the perfect blend of island relaxation, cultural discovery and onboard luxury by browsing detailed maps, themed sailings and real-time availability at Cruise Finder.
Book Your Caribbean Escape Today
Don’t miss the chance to experience the enhanced private island retreat at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and the new adults-only Signature Pool Experience at sea. Contact S.W. Black Travel to reserve your cruise and take advantage of expert guidance, exclusive bonuses and seamless planning.
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